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Football London
Football London
Sport
Scott Trotter

Chelsea receive injury boost as Tuchel provides update on Mount, Azpilicueta and Hudson-Odoi

Thomas Tuchel is hopeful that Mason Mount could return to Chelsea training this afternoon and be in contention for a place in the Blues squad to face Lille, along with Cesar Azpilicueta.

Mount, Azpilicueta, Callum Hudson-Odoi were absent from the Chelsea squad that defeated Crystal Palace 1-0 at the weekend.

The former suffered a ligament issue in the first half of Chelsea's Club World Cup final, while Azpilicueta missed training with a groin problem. Winger Hudson-Odoi had inflammation in his achilles keeping him out of the trip to Selhurst Park. The latter's involvement is looking less likely than his captain's.

It has been hoped Reece James returns to first team training this week as Tuchel confirmed was the plan but he remains out ahead of Lille's visit.

Tuchel said: "Azpi looks much better than Callum. Callum did not train yesterday, Azpi trained and has no reaction so if it stays like this he is available for tomorrow.

"Mason did a very good individual session, I think he will try to come back to team training today but he was out a little bit too long to start. Perhaps he is involved in the squad, he has not trained with the team yet. Reece is still out and Chilly out."

The return of the Champions League sees the Blues return to their two games per week schedule after seven days between the Club World Cup and their return to the Premier League.

The German coach hopes his side can find their rhythm to find some consistency across the board.

He said: "At the moment, we just keep on going and find our rhythm. It's a bit strange to have two league matches in six weeks, it's very strange because it's more familiar to sink into a competition and there are so many different levels of games now.

"It's a bit strange to understand the situation in which we are in the Premier League. On the other hand, it's nice because it tells us we are still in a lot of competitions and competitive.

"We take it match by match more than ever before. It is the moment to be super focused and not worry about the big picture because that would make us look at a lot of different pictures and environments.

"The Premier League isn't about knockout matches, it's about consistency. We have to adapt but in terms of team management, we don't think ahead. We bring the best group tomorrow for the game and then we think about Sunday."

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